Observations from Wednesday's 105-90 loss to the Hawks at Philips Arena:

Once again the Heat offense stagnated early, often leaving nothing more than jumpers as options. That, in effect, had the Hawks off to the races.

The Hawks ended the first half on a 28-8 run. The Heat then opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run of its own.

Which is tougher for Dwyane Wade: Opening 4 of 14 from the field, or finding yourself running the pick and roll at the end of the third quarter with Shavlik Randolph and Joel Anthony?

It was a forgettable night for Wade, who shot 6 of 18 and saw his streak of 20-point games end at a franchise-record 23 in a row.

Erik Spoelstra again dared open the fourth quarter without Wade, with James Jones in his place. The Heat was within 79-72 at the end of the third quarter; it was 85-73 when Wade re-entered with 9:08 to play.

Without the threat of sidlelined Udonis Haslem poised to replace him, Michael Beasley made his first five shots, including a one-hand slam off a baseline dish from Mario Chalmers. And this time Beasley rebounded, too.

This time Beasley also mixed in a variety of drives with his jumpers.

Haslem missed the game with a strained left shoulder, hopeful of returning Friday in Toronto.

That left Randolph as the first power forward off the bench. Randolph entered with 1:03 to play in the opening period, his first action of the season.

Beasley and Quentin Richardson combined to score the Heat's first 17 points, with 11 coming from Beasley.

The rest of the starters opened 0 for 9, before Wade hit a short jumper. Wade shot 2 of 7 in the first quarter.

Richardson then left for good early in the third quarter with a lower-back strain.

When Jermaine O'Neal was called for his fifth foul with 8:55 to play, Spoelstra elected to allow O'Neal to play on. O'Neal's impact was minimal, even with his 12 points and seven rebounds.

There were times when Joe Johnson simply bullied Wade with his studier build, on the way to 30 points.

The difference in athleticism? Josh Smith blocks a Beasley inside attempt and then scores in transition the other way. (Beasley is pictured defending Smith.)

So what happens next? Mario Chalmers tosses away the ensuing inbounds pass after a timeout and Al Horford converts a dunk. Chalmers then gets called for his third foul while reaching for a steal and two Mike Bibby free throws extend the Hawks' run to 18-6.

A Josh Smith 3-point play made the run 21-6 and the Hawks' lead 56-39. The run would reach 28-8.

Still, in an encouraging sign, the Heat pushed back from there, with Beasley pushing back at Smith.

The Heat picked up from the line where it left off Tuesday, with O'Neal this time missing the games first two foul shots. The bigger issue Tuesday was the Heat's inability to get to the line.

After going all of Tuesday's Thunder game without a rebound, Beasley snagged one less than three minutes into the game and had another a minute later.

Jamal Crawford, of course, came in and hit his first shot, a 3-pointer from the Heat killer.

The Heat opened the second quarter with a lineup of Anthony, Randolph, Jones, Daequan Cook and Carlos Arroyo.

Jones hit his first 3-point attempt, to move to 3 of 3 from beyond the arc for the season.

To clarify a note from Tuesday: While the Heat moved upper-bowl fans down to better seats because of the small crowd Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena, similar relocations moved some in the lower bowl into upgraded seats, according to team executive Michael McCullough.

how does someone as strong and athletic as amare stoudemire average only 7.8 rebounds per game in 34.8 minutes?
jermaine oneal is averaging 7.9 rebounds per game in 31.9 minutes.
jermaine oneal is rebounding better than amare stoudemire.
boozer is averaging 11.4rpg in 35.4 minutes.
bosh is averaging 12.3rpg in 35.9 minutes.
if the pipe dream of lebron doesnt happen, riley has to get chris bosh.

Tyler must have had a bad dream last night. What happened Tyley, did you dream that Diva Wade left Miami to play for a better team? Like any of them? Take off your girlie homer glasses and see what this team is all about. Kiddie.

Yeah Riley makes all the right moves. Havent had a pg here in how long? Signs loser and loser, cant draft. Im sure Diva Wade is really happy with Decrpit O neal, and a top draft pick who gets lost more often than wheres waldo. Count your chickens before they hatch, homerboyz. Wait til next year, when wade leaves for better pastures after this debacle of a season. Great supporting cast, here me dorell?

Tyler, i see you are talking to all your friends. No one.
Now go take another homer pill, so you can think the fantasy that you propose is a reality.
Posted by: Slledge | November 19, 2009 at 06:44 AM
__________________________________
im talking to nobody. just posting stuff.
a few hours ago you said you were taking a nap. you really cant live without this blog can you?
sad little guy.
haha.

Tyler must have had a bad dream last night. What happened Tyley, did you dream that Diva Wade left Miami to play for a better team? Like any of them? Take off your girlie homer glasses and see what this team is all about. Kiddie.
Posted by: Slledge | November 19, 2009 at 06:46 AM
_________________________________
hahaha.
you are a classic slledge.
i know what this team is about. it is average. nothing more, nothing less.
that wont be the case next year. wade wont have to leave for a better team because the heat will be a better team.
hey slledge, when boston is a mediocre team in a couple years, are you going to hate them as much as you hate the miami heat?
i am interested in how you answer this question, if you are actually brave enough to answer it.
well…..??

riley has a choice to make. either trade haslem or trade beasley as soon as possible
=====================
Please tell me, what do you think you could realistically get back in return for Haslem? Perhaps you couple his expiring contract with cook, and you can get back a legit starter, but then would that crimp next years cap space?

If riley could make a blockbuster trade, he will bypass 2010.
lets say the hornets dangle chris paul and david west,and fillers.. and rebuild from scratch. They take jermaine, and haslem, beasley and our top draft picks…in a huge megadeal.

Please tell me, what do you think you could realistically get back in return for Haslem? Perhaps you couple his expiring contract with cook, and you can get back a legit starter, but then would that crimp next years cap space?
Posted by: doctorb | November 19, 2009 at 07:06 AM
________________________________________
it is a bad situation. we need haslems expiring in the offseason to get the max player.
but as long as haslem is here, beasley’s development will suffer.
its a catch 22 situation.

Good observation!
Development on this team takes a back seat because Wade presses for winning right now despite the fact that this season has no meaning! It is the same mistake from last year all to please Wade! Wade should be smart and take a long view but that is asking much of a young diva spoiled by success very early! We tanked before why not tank like slledge suggests for the sake of developing the kids at light speed to get ready for a real season that counts like 2010! Wade needs to be smarter about this and press for development over winning in a meaningless season! Push away the old and embrace youth and develoment!
Posted by: King Riley the Supreme Ruler of this Blog! | November 18, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Or maybe Wade already knows Beasley isn’t in the long view?http://steynian.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/scooby.jpg

Beasley was the best player today on the Heat. Wade really let Beasley down Maybe Wade is scared that Beasley is better than him when Spo plays him at PF
Posted by: flash | November 18, 2009 at 11:41 PM
that must be it

About last night… get used to it. It will be like this for at least another 3 months. All we can hope for is a team to get desperate and relinquish their star by the trade deadline. I’m not going to bash Beasley. I’m not going to bash JO, or Chalmers, or anyone else on this team. We all knew going into this what it would cost to build a dynasty. This was never supposed to be our year. The Hawks are the number one ranked team right now; a win shouldn’t have been expected.
But, not getting punked should have.
It’s ‘ok’ to lose a game. It’s not ‘ok’ to have your ball swatted, alley-oops thrown, and the crowd seen laughing at your franchise player. Without Haslem… ::readers rolling their eyes:: there wasn’t one guy on the court that would make these guys pay for coming into the lane with a hard foul. This team needs some toughness and athleticism in its frontcourt. It needs a post scorer. It needs height. It needs Bosh.
We can’t make a trade that will jeopardize our chances for signing Bosh. Period. The only way out is to either get some immediate help with an expiring contract (Boozer); or trade Beasley, Jones and their $7 million in guaranteed contracts for a player that will be a part of this team’s future moving forward.
For the latter, there are a two trades that seem probable. Keep in mind, Beasley did still manage to post decent numbers last night. His value might be lower than it once was, but it’s still high enough to garner a valuable player. The first trade was discussed yesterday: Beasley, Jones and a first round draft pick for Andris Biedrins. He’s a legitimate 7’ center, he’s only 24, and he’s at an even $9 million contract for the next 5 years (no increases). There will be no centers available in free agency. And, even if there was, you’d be lucky to sign this kid at that rate. Regardless of who we pick up this summer, we’ll have a young defensive-minded, rebounding center moving forward.
The second: Beasley, Cook and Jones for Caron Butler and JaVale McGee. Butler is still an all-star caliber player, and McGee is a 22 year old 7 footer rotting away on the bench behind Blatche and Haywood. If you’ve seen McGee play, you would know he’s got huge potential. If you don’t believe me, look at his game logs from last season. The kid can ball.

Well, the score was right, the teams were wrong, I should have played the over and under, argh!
Wade didn’t show up and there was no defensive intensity.
Kudos to Beasley as he was trying to carry the team by himself.
We are 7-4 after playing three lousy games and Sledge is allready declaring mediocrity and has declared victory. How sad.

If you’ve seen McGee play, you would know he’s got huge potential. If you don’t believe me, look at his game logs from last season. The kid can ball.
==========================
He is more than potential. He is better than who washington currently plays now.

re: McGee
-His father, 6′10″ George Montgomery, was a 1985 second-round draft selection by the Portland Trail Blazers.[2] Also his mother, Pamela McGee, was a USC standout and WNBA star for the Los Angeles Sparks and Sacramento Monarchs.[1] McGee is the first son of a WNBA player to ever play in the NBA.[4]
=========================
Great genetics. What would happen if lebron james had a son with serena williams???

I was talking to Josh about him last year. With the way Blatche has been playing, I’m hoping he becomes available. If that kid gained just 10 lbs he’d be a force.
Posted by: eddieomaha | November 19, 2009 at 08:18 AM
======================
he is signed through next season, and then has a team option. Haywood expires this season, so i dont think the team will let him go, until at least his qualifying season. (the following year)

Unfortunately, we probably can’t trade Beasley right now. First, we’d be selling when his value is low. Second, he could be the key to a sign and trade with Toronto. It doesn’t look like Colangelo will lose him for nothing. He’s already talking ‘conduit’.

Second, he could be the key to a sign and trade with Toronto. It doesn’t look like Colangelo will lose him for nothing. He’s already talking ‘conduit’.
Posted by: eddieomaha | November 19, 2009 at 08:22 AM
=======================
yes, very well possible. and miami would have an advantage, and maybe ask for something else as well.

I can’t stand Atlanta. Watching them destroy is like that… just miserable.
Posted by: eddieomaha | November 19, 2009 at 08:27 AM
======================
These last 2 games, is deja vu, of last season. -Wade and a bunch of spectators.
-something has to happen!!!

Riley is waiting on Bosh..period.
Sure we’ll make a pitch at Lebron, like every team with cap will, but we already know Wade can do with a reliable bigman.
And Bosh is is a reliable bigman that’s actually well….big.
Guess which 2 players are leading the league in ft attempts right now.

Beasley needs to develop. Haslem is not the future.
Ya gotta play beasley 35 mpg, and let him be who he is..so by playoff time, he is groomed.
There is no point in haslem playing more minutes than beasley at this point in time. and if beasley isnt in the future, then at least “showcase” his talents, for optimal trade values…

Riley is waiting on Bosh..period.
Sure we’ll make a pitch at Lebron, like every team with cap will, but we already know Wade can do with a reliable bigman.
And Bosh is is a reliable bigman that’s actually well….big.
Guess which 2 players are leading the league in ft attempts right now.
Posted by: The Watcher ( I see full retards ) | November 19, 2009 at 08:29 AM
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according to the toronto star (newspaper)..miami heat could have enough money for wade, james and bosh!!!!

“Without Haslem… ::readers rolling their eyes:: there wasn’t one guy on the court that would make these guys pay for coming into the lane with a hard foul.”
Then dammit, Spo should’ve put in Magloire to stop all the giggling and punking goin on. Beasley’s a scorer dude – not an enforcer. Haslem is a mouthpiece chewer – not a scorer, or an enforcer.

“Ya gotta play beasley 35 mpg”
I agree. I’m just not a fan of his game. Even when he’s having a good night, it’s not what I want from my power forward. He’s so damn soft. If I have to watch him get the ball stuffed down his throat one more time in a Heat jersey..

Admit it. Every game. Every. Game. This kid has at least one embarrassing blocked shot in him. Not a tipped shot or a good clean block… he gets thrown. He’s got more Spalding tattoos than his ink ones.

There’s nothing more demoralizing or demasculating than having your shot thrown back at your face (discounting what Wade did to Varejao, of course). It not only makes your frontcourt look weak, it swings momentum the other way. It gets the crowd going. You would think after 82 games of it happening last year, he’d possibly incorporate a pump fake or a double pump here or there.

Trade Haslem for Charlie Bell/Kurt Thomas (Bucks), ASAP!
Posted by: YML (Riley: Please Retire) | November 19, 2009 at 06:11 AM
Charlie Bell doesn’t make any sense because his contract extends past this season. However, it could be part of two part deal involving Monta Ellis. Getting Thomas would mean Haslem could be moved and Beasley giving the keys to see if he can put it together.
Deal 1: Haslem, Wright, picks for Monta Ellis
Deal 2: James Jones, picks for Kurt Thomas
Deal 1 is a better deal than what GS got for Jackson. They’d get a young, athletic SF (they have no SFs on the roster), a veteran big man who is expiring at the end of the year, and picks. Deal 2 I don’t think the Bucks would do, but you never know. If the Heat could acquire Ellis, they’d just need to move Jones for a big and to clear cap space for next year to sign Bosh.
The Heat could then afford to take less value in return for Beasley to get back a quality starting SF (Butler, Rudy Gay, etc).

AI would be starting PG, would handle except the last 8 minutes of games.
Wade would play off the ball except the last 8 minutes of the game.
This team would finally have a real PG, and could start really playing an offensive system. Wade could stay healthy and rested for a last season surge…while racking up great stats off the ball.

You’re seriously complaining about his shots getting blocked? He’s a skilled, finesse player. His style takes time to develop and mature at the NBA level. When he learns a few more moves, i.e. pump fakes, floaters, pull-ups he’ll get blocked a lot less. There’s only one way to learn these type of things; in the heat of battle.

What’s scary is Beasley’s not even looking like the best PF of his class. Jason Thompson (6′11) is putting up 14ppg, 10rpg in 34mpg and Speights (a legit 6′10) is putting up 13ppg, 6prg in 23mpg on 60% shooting. These guys were drafted how many spots lower and provide their teams with legit size inside.
On the flip side, Thompson is 3 years older and Speights is 2 years older.
Beasley’s going to be a very good player. The problem is that time frame is not going to coincide with Wade’s peak. Anyone who follows the Heat knows Wade is a once in a generation player. It’s possible Beasley will also be, but based on experiences would you rather roll the dice with Wade or Beasley?
The only way it’s going to work with both guys is if they can get two Allstars next offseason while still keeping Beasley. If it takes Beasley to get either one of those guys he is most likely gone.

Don’t be so distress over this loss. Atlanta besides been our nemesis is a very good team and in order to beat them, like we have done before, defense has to be there and Wade has to show up along with the rest.
For some reason it didn’t happen last knight but it doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the next three games we’ll play them.
Who are playing next in this easy schedule that Sledge talks about?

“Carlos Arroyo
Daequan Cook
James Jones
Shavlik Randolph
Joel Anthony
All on the court.
All at the same time.
All NBA.”
That is disgusting. Spo should be fired on the spot for fielding such a line-up. Why in the f*ck does Spo insist on a D-league lineup at the beginning of every 4th quarter? It’s the 4th quarter Spo! That’s the last quarter of the game. Atlanta went on a 10-1 run right there that effectively lost the game. Do that lineup in the beginning of the 2nd quarter (or preferably not at all) if you feel it’s necessary to dig a hole for the team, so they at least have 2 more quarters to dig themselves out.

Anybody here who doesn’t think Joe Johnson would be awesome paired with Wade next year, and a prized free-agent acquisition, doesn’t know what the hell they’re talking about, and obviously doesn’t watch bball.
JFTR – Chalmers is barely even a backup right now in the NBA. And this mofo gets an unchallenged free-pass – disgusting.

“You’re seriously complaining about his shots getting blocked? He’s a skilled, finesse player.”
I don’t know if I would qualify getting your sh*t thrown finesse or skill. And, not getting your shot blocked is something you learn at the pee-wee league level. Man, most of the guys you play with on the playground will get an up and down before getting swatted. It’s a pride thing. I don’t see any of the other guys getting tattooed half as often.

like Monta Ellis, but at $11 million for another 5 years? I don’t know.
Posted by: eddieomaha | November 19, 2009 at 09:11 AM
He’s definitely worth it. He just turned 24. Mo Williams makes $9 million and he’s already 28, Jameer Nelson $7 million and he’s 28.
Rondo is 23 and will turn 24 this season. His new deal is for five years averaging $11 million per year.
I knew all this info in my head and did not look any of it up.

“Who are playing next in this easy schedule that Sledge talks about?”
It’s been a horrendous, tough-as-nails schedule thus far:
”
Q: We beat Denver. We almost beat Suns, who beat the undefeated Celtics. We’re playing best defense in the league, and Cook, Beasley, Chalmers are all only getting better. Maybe 50-win ain’t too unrealistic? — Danny.
A: Uh, again, it’s Nov. 8. The schedule has been highly favorable to this point, and will continue to be over the next week or so. But it all evens out. Give it another month before you’re unable to curb your enthusiasm.
Q: “The schedule has been highly favorable to this point.” Huh? — Shawn.
A: Uh huh. Four of the first five were against 2009 lottery teams. Eight of the first 10 are at home. They got the Pacers without Dunleavy, the Wizards without Jamison and the Nuggets without Smith. Yes, favorable.
Nash singlehandedly dispatched the Heat on the road, without Barbosa.
Then the MMM’s were in a dogfight most of the game, against the Miserable Washington Witches, again, requiring another 40pt game by Wade to win. That was with an injured Arenas (12 TO’s messed up calve) 21 TO’s total, Missing 3 starters: Jamison, Miller and then Foyle. AND at HOME, again.
Then, the Cavs beat the Heat, comfortably, on the road, without Delonte West and Leon Powe, after a tough back-to-back against Orlando, vs. a rested, full Heat team, cozy at Home.
Then the Putrid, lamentable Nets, missing about 80% of their roster, almost beat the Heat, AT HOME, 1 pt miracle win.
Then the mediocre Thunder, a 5-5 young team, at HOME, again, easily Dispatched the MMM’s.
Then, finally a decent team, the hawks, FINALLY a road game, and the and the wipe the floor all game long with the Heat last night.
Oh, what a tough schedule!! When will the Heat catch a break?

So who is to blame for last nights pathetic loss?
A/ Spoelstra and the Coaches
B/ The officials, they were bribed against Miami
C/ Haslem, too much time on the court
D/ Not enough PT for Beasley
E/ The weather

And after a good game we have eddie the moron here bashing Beasley.
Let us trade Beasley for a bag of bricks. That will make eddie the moron happy.
Sure let us play Haslem because he doesn’t get his shots blocked as they are all jump shots and doesn’t get demoralized. We will prefer his 10/8 to Beasley getting 20/9 and getting blocked a couple of times in a game. Of course Beasley isn’t going to get better because you learn about not getting your shots blocked in pee wee leagues and it is a pride thing.

Beasley will be fine if paired next to a dominate, defensive big man. Unfortunately, none of them will be available next season and Chris Bosh will.
————
Dominate is being used incorrectly. Dominant should be the word.

You get Ellis now and next year’s free agency becomes so more flexible.
You can get Joe Johnson or Lebron and slot them in at SF next to Wade, Ellis, and Beasley.
You can get Bosh or Boozer and slot them in next to Wade, Ellis, and either trade Beasley for a SF or have him come off the bench, you could split the money between Chandler and Josh Howard (if they opt out) and go with Wade, Ellis, Howard, Beasley (Haslem) and Chandler.
You could get Joe Johnson, trade Beasley for multiple #1 picks, and resign JO to go with Ellis, Wade, Joe Johnson, Haslem, JO.

anyone else see this article?
Source: Heat ‘hot’ after Iverson
Views1246Comments18
05:57 AM ET 11.19 SHARE PRINT IT MY T&R
The Knicks could have competition from Miami, who according to a person close to Allen Iverson said the team is “hot” after him.
New York Daily News

“He’s definitely worth it.”
I’m not saying he’s not. I just don’t think he is a good fit for Riley’s plan. His $11 million would take up a lot of our resources for building a solid frontcourt. We’re still going to need to find a quality center. Unless it’s Chris Paul, i think I would rather have a frontcourt heavy roster than a backcourt heavy roster. Wade, Cook and Chalmers is much more acceptable than what we will look forward to for a power rotation.
For example
Ellis
Wade
Wright
Beasley
Bosh
or
Chalmers
Wade
Beasley
Bosh
Biedrins/Chandler or the like

“all you do is come on here and pick fights… waaah”
Posted by: WadeLikesHisShots
“we have eddie the moron here”
“Dominate is being used incorrectly. Dominant should be the word.”
Your first two posts. By the way, I don;t think JB needs grammar lessons from you.

Beasley had 21-9. Get off his back. He was the only Heater balling last knight.
So we lost to Cleveland,Atlanta,OKC, and Phoenix.
Let’s blow up the team quickly before they start playing together with suffocating defense and clockwork acuracy on offense. Quickly before our Superstar starts getting 30+ a game. Quickly, before our 20 year old develops man muscles and scores 42-16 on any bodys arse in the league. Quickly, etc,etc,etc.
Please, a little common sense will tell you we’ll be there in the mix at the end and I for one will enjoy the ride.

I thought Beasley did play good last night. But, he’s still too incosistent on a play to play basis to be a full time impact player.
On consecutive plays he will do the following…
He’ll make a good defensive play then jack up a 3 on a semi fast break.
He’ll hit a shot, allow his guy to score, hit another shot (hey he’s hot), get lost on defense and allow the other team a wide open 3, and then come down on offense and dribble the ball of his knee.
You can see the talent, but he just needs to put it together to minimize those mistakes over the course of the game.

Actually I’m not giving grammar lessons. Just a minor correction isn’t a lesson. You should relax and enjoy the blog. I’m just tired of all you negativity when it comes to Beasley and your incessant stupid whining.

“What happened to the Cavs, beat to a pulp by lowly Wiz.
Are they mediocre or a great team that lost 4 games so far?.”
Jamison and Miller PLAYED, you see blind homer kiddo? Jamison scored 31 points, Miller 17pts with 7 rebounds, plus Arenas was not injured, as he was last game @ Miami.
It was a ROAD game for the Cavs, vs. a FULL ROSTER in Washington. The Heat played Washington twice AT HOME, escaping with very close wins, vs a Severely Depleted Wuzard team.
DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE?? Just sayin..

You can see the talent, but he just needs to put it together to minimize those mistakes over the course of the game.
Posted by: JB | November 19, 2009 at 09:44 AM
————-
I believe the argument has been that these are things he will improve on with more consistent playing time at PF. It has always been the contention, not that Beasley is this great player right now.
We’re not going to get that with this love affair we have for Haslem, who has had 6 years as the unquestioned PF to prove his value to the team.

IRA WINDERMAN is embarking on his 24th season covering the Miami Heat for the Sun-Sentinel, witnessing more than 1,900 of the team's games (thus the bags under the eyes and hair loss not truly depicted by the accompanying photo). With the help of antacids (during the lean years) and a sense of humor (during the Riley dictatorship), he has been able to remain a courtside fixture at AmericanAirlines Arena, a veteran 12 years older than coach Erik Spoelstra. Only former trainer Ron Culp had attended more Heat games, but, then again, Winderman has yet to tape his first ankle.